Studying in Canada starts with one critical document: the study permit. For Nepali students, the application process is now handled entirely through the regular study permit stream, following the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in November 2024. While the process takes longer than it used to, the path is clear and well-documented once you understand each step.
This guide covers the full study permit process for 2026, from your acceptance letter to your biometrics appointment at VFS Kathmandu. We have helped hundreds of Nepali students navigate this process at Study Abroad from Nepal. If you are still deciding whether Canada is the right destination, start with our Study in Canada overview.
Important: SDS Discontinued
Canada discontinued SDS on November 8, 2024, so Nepali students now apply through the standard study permit stream with 8-16 week processing times instead of the previous 20 days. The GIC requirement increased from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635.
What Is a Canada Study Permit?
A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It is not a visa by itself — you will also receive a visitor visa or eTA along with your study permit.
Key facts about the 2026 study permit:
- Application stream: Regular study permit (SDS no longer available)
- Application fee: CAD 150
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85
- Processing time: 8-16 weeks
- GIC requirement: CAD 20,635
- Application method: Online through the IRCC portal
Before You Apply: Eligibility Checklist
Before starting your application, make sure you meet these baseline requirements.
- You have been accepted by a DLI. Your institution must appear on the official DLI list. Not every Canadian school qualifies. See our Canada colleges guide for DLIs popular with Nepali students.
- You can prove financial support. Canada requires evidence covering tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. The GIC of CAD 20,635 is the most commonly accepted proof.
- You have no criminal record. You will need a police clearance certificate from Nepal.
- You are in good health. A medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician is mandatory.
- You can demonstrate ties to Nepal. The visa officer needs to believe you will leave Canada after your studies.
Step-by-Step Study Permit Application Process
Here is the complete process for Nepali students applying through the regular stream in 2026.
Step 1: Get Your Acceptance Letter from a DLI
Your study permit application cannot begin without an official letter of acceptance. Research DLIs offering your chosen program, apply directly, meet admission requirements including English language scores, and pay any applicable fees. Most DLIs send acceptance letters electronically.
Step 2: Purchase a GIC (CAD 20,635)
The GIC is a mandatory financial product proving you have enough for first-year living expenses. As of 2026, the required amount is CAD 20,635 (approximately NPR 20,01,595 at ~NPR 97/CAD). You purchase it from a participating Canadian bank (Scotiabank, CIBC, and others). The money is locked and released in monthly installments after you arrive in Canada.
Step 3: Gather All Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letter of acceptance | Official letter from your DLI |
| GIC receipt | Proof of purchase from participating bank |
| Financial proof | Bank statements, sponsor letters, property docs, loan letters |
| Academic transcripts | SLC/SEE, +2, bachelor's transcripts (attested) |
| English language scores | IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 (most common) |
| Valid passport | Valid for duration of stay, at least two blank pages |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Critical — explains why Canada, your program, and future plans |
| Police clearance | From Nepal Police |
| Medical exam results | From IRCC-approved panel physician |
Step 4: Create Your IRCC Account and Apply Online
Visit the IRCC website, create a GCKey account, complete the eligibility questionnaire, fill in personal details, education history, work history, and travel history. Upload all documents in PDF format (max 4MB per file). Do not rush this step — errors or inconsistencies can trigger additional review or refusal.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee (CAD 150)
The study permit application fee is CAD 150 (approximately NPR 14,550), paid online through the IRCC portal using a credit or debit card.
Step 6: Provide Biometrics at VFS Kathmandu
After submitting your application, you receive a Biometric Instruction Letter and have 30 days to provide fingerprints and photograph at VFS Global Kathmandu. The biometrics fee is CAD 85 (approximately NPR 8,245). Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
Step 7: Complete the Medical Examination
Visit an IRCC-approved panel physician in Kathmandu for a general physical, chest X-ray, and blood/urine tests. Results are uploaded directly to IRCC.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
Current processing time: 8-16 weeks for regular study permits from Nepal. Complex cases or incomplete documents can extend beyond 16 weeks. If approved, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter. At the Canadian airport, the border officer issues the actual study permit.
Common Reasons for Study Permit Refusal
Understanding why applications are refused helps you avoid the same mistakes.
- Weak financial documentation. Simply showing a large balance is not enough. Officers want consistent income, clear source of funds, and realistic ability to sustain expenses.
- Unconvincing Statement of Purpose. Your SOP must clearly connect past education, chosen program, and future career plans. Generic or copied SOPs are easily identified.
- Gaps in education or employment. Unexplained gaps raise concerns. Address them honestly in your SOP.
- Poor travel or immigration history. Previous visa refusals affect your application. Disclose them honestly.
- Mismatched documents. If your sponsor's income does not match the documents or dates do not align, the officer may doubt authenticity.
Timeline: When Should You Start?
Given the 8-16 week processing time, plan your application carefully.
| Intake | Classes Begin | Recommended Application Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 2026 | March-April 2026 |
| Winter | January 2027 | July-August 2026 |
| Spring/Summer | May 2027 | November-December 2026 |
Start gathering documents and English scores at least 6-8 months before your intended start date. The earlier you begin, the more flexibility you have if issues arise.
Working While on a Study Permit
As of 2026, study permit holders at DLIs can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Both on-campus and off-campus work are permitted without a separate work permit.
Processing Timeline by Application Type
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your application and the time of year. Here is what Nepali students can realistically expect in 2026 under the standard study permit stream.
| Application Type | Estimated Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard first study permit | 8-16 weeks | Most common for Nepali applicants |
| Study permit extension | 4-12 weeks | Apply from within Canada at least 30 days before expiry |
| Change of institution | 4-8 weeks | Must update IRCC with new DLI number |
| Peak season (June-September) | 12-20 weeks | Higher volume leads to longer waits |
Check the IRCC website for the most current processing time estimates. During peak season between June and September, processing can extend well beyond the standard window, so applying early is critical. Our team at Study Abroad from Nepal monitors these timelines closely and adjusts student application schedules accordingly.
After Your Study Permit Is Approved
Receiving your study permit approval is a major milestone, but there are several steps you need to complete before and immediately after arriving in Canada.
- Review your Port of Entry (POE) letter carefully. Check that your name, passport number, DLI, and program details are correct. Any errors must be reported to IRCC before you travel.
- Purchase your foreign exchange. Under NRB rules, Nepali students can purchase up to $12,000 in foreign currency per year through NRB-approved banks using your NOC.
- Book your flight. Arrive 1-2 weeks before your program orientation. Direct flights from Kathmandu to Canada are not available, so factor in layover time.
- Carry essential documents in your carry-on. Keep your passport, POE letter, acceptance letter, GIC receipt, financial documents, and academic transcripts accessible. Do not pack them in checked luggage.
- At the Canadian border, present your POE letter and passport. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue your actual study permit and verify your details. Keep this document safe throughout your stay.
- Within the first 2 weeks of arrival, attend your institution's orientation, open a Canadian bank account, apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work legally, and enrol in provincial health insurance if applicable.
Study Abroad from Nepal offers a comprehensive pre-departure orientation that covers everything from packing lists to your first week in Canada. We also connect you with current Nepali students at your institution to help you settle in.